Authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Friday, November 10, 2023, received a delegation of the British Council which included eggheads of leading tertiary institutions in the United Kingdom (UK).
The delegation was led to the 11th Floor, Senate House Office of the Vice-Chancellor by the Director, Office of International Relations Partnership and Prospects (IRPP), UNILAG, Professor Ismail Ibraheem.
They were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS along with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian O. Chukwu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh; Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde; Bursar, Mrs. Olufunlola Adekunle; and University Librarian, Professor Yetunde Zaid.
The visit provided an avenue for discussions for potential collaborations in the field of Transnational Education, as well as an opportunity for the guests to learn more about UNILAG’s academic programs, research initiatives, and infrastructure.
In his remarks, the UK Government’s Head of Business and Trade Tamir Ismail disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to explore potential collaborations and opportunities for transnational education (TNE) between the United Kingdom and Nigerian institutions, including UNILAG. He highlighted the benefits of TNE programs in promoting cultural exchange, knowledge transfer, and capacity building between nations
According to him, “the visit aims to set the stage for further engagements and partnerships that would benefit students, faculty, and researchers from both countries. Such collaborations would not only benefit Nigerian students but also contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom”.
While welcoming the entourage, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS expressed the readiness of UNILAG to foster international collaborations that would enhance the educational experience and opportunities of students of the varsity. She emphasized the importance of providing students with access to global perspectives and experiences through the TNE initiatives.
Her words, “the University of Lagos firmly believes that education knows no boundaries and international cooperation is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the development of societies. The British Council has been a longstanding partner in promoting educational exchanges between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Their expertise and support have played a pivotal role in facilitating academic collaborations, student mobility programs, and research initiatives. As such, we are grateful for their continued commitment to strengthening educational ties between our two nations”.
During the courtesy visit, both parties acknowledged the need for robust frameworks and mechanisms to ensure quality assurance and accreditation of TNE programs. Representatives of UK-based tertiary institutions in the British Council delegation presented the blueprints of their institutions’ Transnational Education Policy.
One of the representatives, Professor Kirk Semple of Lancaster University pointed out the existing collaboration between his university and Ghana, as the institution currently has a campus in Accra.
He expressed optimism at the possibility of a strong collaboration with UNILAG especially as both institutions can tap into their rich academic traditions, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse faculty expertise.
Similarly, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh enumerated the university’s mission to always strive to provide students with a world-class education that prepares them for leadership roles in various sectors.
Her words “Through partnerships with renowned universities, we have been able to further enhance the quality of education we offer by incorporating international perspectives into our curriculum, providing opportunities for student exchanges, joint research projects, and faculty development programs’’.
After the interaction with the UNILAG Management team, the British Council delegation was given a tour of the university campus.
